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Irish against ALS: A call to action

Molly Daily | Monday, February 20, 2012

Here at Notre Dame, it seems like we have a group for everything. But I’ve noticed a gap. ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, doesn’t have representation here. That might seem logical, because it’s a neurological disease that affects voluntary muscles and is usually contracted between 40 and 60 years of age. However, ALS is becoming more common, and there is no cure and little treatment. You may have seen Steve Gleason’s story at the Superbowl, or Friday night’s episode of “Say Yes to the Dress,” which featured a young couple’s struggle with ALS. More and more people are contracting ALS and the ages are getting younger. The next victim could be any of us, and if it’s not today, it could be soon.

ALS is not very well known. I didn’t find out about it until my grandma passed away from it a few years ago. I didn’t have an outlet and didn’t know how to help. I want to change that for anyone who is struggling, and I want to give direction for those looking to help. I’d like to start a group for support, awareness and fundraising for ALS. I want to start here and get the word out so that we can spread awareness and find a cure. Students here have a lot of drive. I know we can make a difference and prevent more cases in the future. In the meantime, those of us here who have experienced the disease can support each other.

I can’t do all of this on my own. I’m looking to see who else is interested and who else has been affected. I encourage you to check out the Facebook page “Irish Against ALS” and look out for more news and information on campus. This disease seems like a remote possibility, but the next victim could very easily be one of us. Let’s do all that we can to keep this disease from taking any of the Notre Dame family.